RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Resistance-band Training and Creatine and Whey Protein

This research is investigating how a 20-week exercise program with resistance bands, combined with creatine and/or whey protein, affects older adults with a condition called sarcopenia. Sarcopenia means losing muscle and strength as you get older, which can make everyday tasks harder. For the first 10 weeks, we're comparing people who get creatine and/or whey protein alongside their exercises, to see if it helps build more muscle, improve strength, and make daily activities easier. For the next 10 weeks, we'll see what happens to these improvements when people stop taking the supplements but continue exercising. Our aim is to find effective ways for older adults to stay strong and independent.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Regina

Enrolment target

Start

18 Aug 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2025

Sarcopenia in Elderly

What is this study about?

As we get older, it's common for our muscles to naturally lose some of their strength and size. This condition is called sarcopenia, and it can sometimes make daily activities like walking or carrying groceries a bit more challenging. This study is specially designed for older adults to explore simple and effective ways to help keep muscles strong and improve overall physical ability. We know that being physically active and eating well are important for healthy muscles, and this research aims to build on that knowledge.

We're focusing on two main things: resistance band exercises and certain dietary supplements. Resistance bands are a great way to build muscle because they're easy to use at home and are generally gentle on the joints. They offer a simple and accessible alternative to gym equipment. We're also looking at creatine and whey protein, which are types of supplements that have shown promise in supporting muscle health. The exciting part is that no one has really looked at these three things – resistance band training, creatine, and whey protein – together in older adults, so this study could give us some important new insights.

Our main goal is to see if combining these exercises with these supplements can lead to better muscle size, strength, and overall ability to do everyday tasks. We'll also be observing what happens to these improvements if people stop taking the supplements but continue with their exercises after a certain period. This will help us understand the long-term effects and how best to support healthy ageing and independence.

Key takeaways

Learn if resistance band exercises, creatine, and whey protein can improve muscle and strength in older adults.
The study aims to help older adults with sarcopenia, which is age-related muscle loss.
Exercises will be done at home using resistance bands.
We will also observe what happens to improvements when supplements are stopped after 10 weeks.
This research could help develop accessible ways to keep older adults strong and independent.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you should be an older adult, aged 50 or over. We are looking for people who haven't been doing regular resistance training (like lifting weights or using resistance bands) very often, specifically less than once a week in the six weeks leading up to the study.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you've taken creatine monohydrate in the last month, or if you're currently taking whey protein, you wouldn't be able to join. This is so we can accurately measure the effects of these supplements in the study.

Also, if you have certain allergies, such as to latex, some fruits, dairy products, nuts, seafood, or mustard, you wouldn't be able to participate. This is for your safety, as some of the study materials or supplements might contain these ingredients.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 50 years old or older?
Have you been doing resistance training (like weights or bands) less than once a week in the past six weeks?
Have you avoided taking creatine supplements in the last 30 days?
Are you currently not taking whey protein supplements?
Do you have no known allergies to latex, fruit, dairy, nuts, seafood, or mustard?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for 20 weeks, which is about five months. During this time, you will follow a resistance band exercise program. For the first 10 weeks, depending on which group you are in, you might also be asked to take specific supplements, either creatine and/or whey protein. For the remaining 10 weeks, everyone will continue with the resistance band exercises, but some participants will stop taking the supplements to see what happens.

Throughout the study, we will regularly check your progress. This will involve appointments where we measure your body composition (like how much muscle you have), the thickness of your arm and leg muscles, your strength, how long you can perform an activity, and your ability to do everyday tasks like walking and balancing. Details about how many visits you'll need and what each visit involves will be clearly explained before you start.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as improving your muscle strength, size, and overall physical ability through supervised exercise and potentially effective supplements. This could make daily tasks easier and improve your general wellbeing. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as muscle soreness from exercise or mild digestive upset from supplements, though these are typically temporary. All procedures are designed to be safe, and you will be closely monitored. Please remember that your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Regina
Verified postcode
Regina, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a natural process where people can lose muscle mass, strength, and physical ability as they get older, which can make daily activities harder.

What are resistance bands?

Resistance bands are elastic bands used for exercise that create tension instead of relying on weights, helping to build muscle strength and size.

What are creatine and whey protein?

Creatine and whey protein are dietary supplements that are commonly used to support muscle growth and recovery, particularly when combined with exercise.

Will I have to go to a gym?

No, this study focuses on home-based resistance band exercises, which means you can do your workouts in your own home.

How long will the study last?

The study will last for a total of 20 weeks, which is about five months.

How to find out more

Darren Candow

darren.candow@uregina.ca 306-585-4906 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.